Heading down the steps into the dungeon that is Manchester’s Club Academy, you could feel it straight away. That buzz before a big night. I’ve been seeing Miss May I live since 2014 when they supported Halestorm at the Apollo, so being here now, camera in hand reviewing them, feels a bit surreal. Safe to say, I’m right in my element and more than ready for it.
Kicking things off were Australia’s Diesect, and fair play to them, They were already dealing with a rough situation. With their drummer out due to illness, stepping in at the last minute is Davier Perez from Great American Ghost, who had about an hour to learn the set. Honestly, you wouldn’t have known. He absolutely smashed it. Tight, heavy, no mistakes—just pure quality. The set might’ve been shorter, but it still hit hard and did exactly what it needed to do. Get the room warmed up for what was coming.
Next up, Great American Ghost took things up a level. Heavier, louder, and way more chaotic. The crowd started moving properly here—pits opening up, bodies flying about. Ethan Harrison was constantly at the barrier, getting right in people’s faces, pushing for more energy, more movement. It made the whole thing feel really close and intense. By the last track, he was telling the crowd to spin the room, and when that breakdown drops with him stood in the middle of the pit, it’s absolute carnage. Huge props to Davier Perez for playing back to back sets
Then Crystal Lake came in and just blew the place wide open. From the first second, it was chaos. The energy was ridiculous—non-stop movement, first crowd surfers of the night, and it only builds from there. Open Water turns into a sea of bodies as they call for as many surfers as possible, and the crowd delivers. Watch Me Burn is another standout. People screaming every word back, pits going off, just pure madness. There was even a moment where the lights drop out and it’s just camera flashes lighting the room. It looked insane and feels even better at the moment. Easily one of those sets you won’t forget.
Finally, Miss May I themselves hit the stage, and they didn't miss. Straight into it. Huge energy, massive sound, and the crowd was with them the whole way. Levi Benton was on top form, even grabbing a hat from someone in the crowd, sticking it on, and giving them a fist bump—little things like that just add to the whole vibe of the night. The setlist is stacked too, with tracks like Relentless Chaos and Hey Mister going off big time.
Everything about their set just clicks. Vocals were spot on across the board, the lighting looked incredible, and the pits never stopped. It was just constant energy from start to finish. Having seen them so many times over the years, I can honestly say this is the best I’ve seen them. Which says a lot.
Loud, chaotic, and exactly what you want from a metal show. Every band brought it, and Miss May I proved they’re still at the top of their game.
The gig of the year so far!! 10/10
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